Which of the following is not a general characteristic of a virus?

To determine which among the options is not a general characteristic of viruses, let’s look at each choice:

  • a) Obligate intracellular parasite: This is a defining characteristic of viruses. They cannot reproduce outside of a host cell.
  • b) Does not produce ATP: Viruses do not generate ATP on their own; they rely on the host cell’s machinery for energy and replication.
  • c) Genome is surrounded by a protein coat: This is true for viruses, as they typically have a protein shell, known as a capsid, which encases their genetic material.
  • d) Can self replicate in the appropriate host: This statement is misleading. Viruses cannot self-replicate; they require a host cell to replicate their genomes and produce new virus particles.

Considering the explanations, the correct answer is d) can self replicate in the appropriate host, as viruses need a host cell for replication, and they do not have the machinery to do it independently.

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